Dear Ruth,I say I love you a lot. We both do. We say it at the end of phone conversations, in text messages, when we head out the door, just before going to sleep and at random moments on a whim. We say it so much that those three words can easily be taken for granted.

And I want you to know that I not only love you, but am in love with you. Even after 10 (almost 11) years together.

I love that I can go sleep next to you and wake up every morning and see that you're real. You keep me balanced.You push me to be spontaneous and fearless-to catch the bull by its horns and then hug it. And I am in constant awe of how you show others this trick, too. And I know I am biased. So, you needn't take my word for it. You can see it in the faces of anyone that knows you when you come up to say hi to them. There's joy in their eyes and a smile across their lips.

I am so glad that you are in the world. And, what's more, I am so glad and feel so lucky that our paths crossed.

I'm in love with you so very much and wish you the happiest of birthdays!Shane